[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2482-E2483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO MR. BILLY C. HINES, PROFESSOR--ELIZABETH CITY STATE 
                               UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my Colleagues in 
the United States House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute 
to Professor Billy C. Hines, one of Elizabeth City State University's 
most accomplished Professors.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Hines is now in his 33rd year as Professor of 
Voice, Director of Choral Activities and Artist-In-Residence at 
Elizabeth City State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Music Education from Stillman College and a Masters of Arts and Masters 
of Education degree in Music and Music Education from Teacher's College 
at Columbia University. Further, he holds a Certificate in Managing the 
Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  Professor Hines has propelled the Elizabeth City State University 
Choir to a world renowned status. The University Choir, acclaimed as an 
``incredible group of voices,''

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performs annually on tour throughout the United States, Europe and 
Africa and on campus. In May, 2005 Professor Hines arranged for the 
choir to travel to Nigeria, West Africa for a 15-day tour of seven 
cities. Its eclectic musical taste and resplendent audience appeal 
thrilled the standing-room only audiences everywhere they performed.
  Madam Speaker, also in 2005, I am proud to announce that the 
University Choir was featured at the Congressional Black Caucus 
Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza under 
the inspiring directorship of Professor Hines. The performance was 
amazingly captivating.
  In 1985, Professor Hines took advantage of an opportunity for his 
Choir to tour the Grand Bahamas Islands. Enthusiastic audiences 
received them everywhere they sang. In 1980, Governor James B. Hunt 
invited the University Choir to perform for his historic second 
consecutive inauguration as Governor of North Carolina.
  Madam Speaker, although Professor Hines is a native of Alabama, North 
Carolina has adopted him as their own. He is an accomplished baritone 
soloist, a skilled adjudicator, clinician, and conductor. In past years 
he has conducted the Wayne County North Carolina School Spring Music 
Festival, the Junior High Honors Chorus as well as the Senior High 
Women's Chorus at the Summer Music Camp of the University of Wisconsin. 
Professor Hines has left lasting impressions with his outstanding 
performances with the North Carolina Junior High All-State Chorus, and 
with his contribution to the Edgecombe County Choral Festival.
  Locally, Professor Hines has directed the Evelyn A. Johnson Community 
Singers for the past 25 years. The Singers are especially known for 
their annual rendering of Handel's Messiah, a free performance held for 
the public at various sites. For over 10 years Professor Hines has been 
invited to conduct a week-long workshop and concert of the Interstate 
Church Musicians and Choir Guild. Over 80 church musicians from 
throughout the Roanoke-Chowan area participate each year.
  Madam Speaker, Professor Hines' accomplishments are limitless and I 
value this rare opportunity to share this abbreviated account with my 
Colleagues. On behalf of my Colleagues and the great state of North 
Carolina, I wish Professor Hines God's blessings as he continues to 
share his extraordinary talents with our great Nation.

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